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News for God’s people at Peace With Christ Lutheran Church January 2010

Pastor Patrick’s Pen ……………………………………………… Reena’s Writing…………………………………………………... LWML……………………………………………………………. Joy Circle……………………...…………………………………. TAG…………..…………………………………………………… College/Young Adults Group…………………………………….. Altar Guild……………………………………………………….. Youth News……………………………..………..……………….. Marilyn’s Memo………...………………………………………... Sunday Bible Class……………………………………………….. Missions & Ministry………………………………………………. Financial Update ………………………………………………….. Anniversaries …………………… ……………………………….. Birthdays. .…………………………..……………………………..

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FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Members are invited to sign up to place flowers on our altar for special occasions: in memory or honor of a loved one or a special event. Please sign up on the flower chart located in the Sunshine Hall and see posted guidelines for flowers.

PEACE WITH CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 1412 West Swallow Road Fort Collins, CO 80526 Phone: (970) 226-4721 Fax: (970) 204-1570 Email:[email protected] On the web:www.pwchrist-fc.org Prayer Chain: 229-1459

Pastor: Ralph Patrick Parish Worker: Reena Linke Ministers: Members Editor: Marcy Petago Youth Coordinator: Marilyn Lasich Prayer Chain Coordinator: Cheryl Harsen

Radio Broadcast: KCOL (600 AM), at 9:00 AM Sundays

Church Elders: Wes Nierman, Head Elder.. ……………………………………..………….….226-5936 Chad Hamilton, Worship Elder.……………………………….….…………....226-8162 Dan Krueckeberg, Staff Elder…………………………………….….…….… ..482-9545 Art Pforr, Elder……………………………………………………………… . .223-8533 Dan Prevedel, Elder...…………………………………………………………..204-4008 Mike Allison, Elder...………………………...…………….….…….…………223-5284

Church Council: President, Larry Siegfried Vice President, Brian Lacey Secretary, Ernestine Munsey Treasurer, Lisa Bernhardt Education Chairman, Eric Petago Education Co-Chair, Jane Pennington Evangelism Chairman, Rhonda Kaiser Fellowship Chairman, Martha Pforr Youth Ministry Chairman, Amy Hoy Missions & Ministry Co-Chairman, Cleve & Nancy Moore Head Trustee, Bill Roth Hands in Harmony Chairman, Betty Keeney

Next month’s articles are due Sunday, January 17! 2

Pastor Patrick’s Pen

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor . . . to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Is. 61:1,3

Dear Children of God, 2010 marks the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese Calendar. (That should come as good news to the golfer with the same name, considering how 2009 ended for him). In case you’re wondering, 2009 was the year of the Ox. We don’t have such fun animal names associated with our English calendar. But I was wondering, what WOULD be a good designation for this New Year? What name could we give it from a Christian perspective? The prophet Isaiah gives us a wonderful suggestion: THE YEAR OF THE LORD’S FAVOR. In Hebrew this word “favor” indicates the pleasure that God takes in His people. It marks the cessation of hostility and wrath. It means that He is pleased with sacrifices and no longer desires to watch His people suffer. Often-times it is associated with the act of His people coming into His presence, such as in Isaiah 56:6-8, where it carries with it the concept of future fulfillment. To hear the prophet Isaiah speak this to them would’ve indeed been good news to God’s people of old. But it is also good news to us. For we have not only heard this message, we have seen its fulfillment. In Luke 4:16ff Jesus preached in the synagogue in Nazareth. He uses this lesson from Isaiah as His sermon text.

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After He reads it He sits down (the preferred posture for preaching), and speaks some surprising words: Today this scripture if fulfilled in your hearing. Jesus is proclaiming the magnificent message that He is the Messiah! That indeed God has come to free His people from sin, to bind up the wounds that sin causes, and to assure His creation that the penalty for sin has been, is and will be paid in Christ Jesus! The year of the Lord’s favor has begun and will never end! We are living in that year, and thus we are living under His favor! What specifically will that favor look like? It will be the favor of being freely forgiven for our sins; the favor of living in His grace; the favor of approaching The Father with confidence through His Son; the favor of reconciliation with God and others. These are the BIG favors—but there are many more that we may not recognize. The favor of fellowship in the body of Christ; the favor of love for one another; the favor of comfort and consolation when we are sorrowful; the favor of daily peace and serenity; the favor of enduring joy no matter how difficult life might seem. Dear friends, I don’t know about you, but I am determined to make 2010 the Year of the Lord’s Favor, and I am delighted at the prospects of living in that favor. It is so much more appealing, rewarding, and lasting than the Year of the Tiger! Peace, Pastor Patrick

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Reena’s Writings This month I thought I’d touch on a little background for the use of vestments. When performing liturgical duties, those serving, whether pastor, acolyte, organist, etc., historically have worn vestments for two reasons. First, it marks them as those performing a liturgical function, and second, it connects them with the universal church, providing continuity. In the Old Testament, the priests were commanded to wear certain garments (see Exodus 28). While we are not under the Law and forced to wear vestments, Christians have retained the use of vestments, distinguishing their everyday dress from their liturgical dress. Many different types of liturgical dress have developed over time with the East and West following different traditions, though similarities exist. During the Reformation, a great deal of controversy arose over the use of vestments, as part of the distancing from Rome and not wanting to set clergy apart from laity; however, in the 19th and 20th centuries, most churches have come to a renewed interest in the use of vestments. With regard to what you might see on a Sunday, Pastor and the acolyte often wear an alb, or the white long robe with long sleeves, which symbolizes the baptismal garment. The alb is a Eucharistic vestment, meaning it is worn when the Lord’s Supper is celebrated, often with a stole, a symbol of ordination and the yoke of Christ, which reflects the color of the church year. You might also see a long black robe worn during non-Communion services, such as midweek Lenten services. These are called cassocks and Continued on pate 6

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are considered the “everyday attire” of clergy, particularly seen in Roman, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox churches. In the past, this was quite common, but today, many clergy wear a cleric instead on a daily basis. Even still, some Lutheran pastors wear the cassock, the black representing sin and death, during occasional services. Normally, a white surplice will be worn over, a symbol of the righteousness of Christ. Generally, if the pastor wears an alb, the assistants, readers, etc., will wear an alb and the same with a cassock and surplice. While some may find vestments too high church or unnecessary, they are useful and purposeful in reminding the pastor of his duty to Christ and the church and in reminding the congregation of the pastor’s call. As John Pless describes in Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, “First vestments are used as ensigns of the office of the Holy Ministry. These liturgical garments cover the man, reminding the congregation that their pastor speaks to them not simply as a fellow Christian, but as ‘a called and ordained servant of the Word.’ Secondly, vestments are a visual reminder of the continuity of the church’s worship throughout history… The use of the historic vestments signals our linkage with the church [universal] in confession and life. Thus in the Evangelical Lutheran Church vestments are not merely aesthetic decorations, but are symbols of the historic continuity of our church with prophets, apostles, martyrs, and confessors of all times and places.”

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LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION ♦ LWML’s first program of the NEW YEAR, a bible study entitled “Uplifted by the Lord,” will be held Monday, January 11 at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall. Angela Myers will have devotions. Hostesses will be Norma Thaemert and Eunice Nierman. What a great way to begin the new year…with your friends in Christ! ♦ $185 in Dime stocking money was collected at the December 13th Christmas Party to benefit Crossroads Safehouse. Thank you for your contributions! ♦ LWML’s 2010 Executive Board Members are Bev Russman as President, Connie Jesser as Vice President, Jodi Allison as Secretary and Cheryl Harsen as Treasurer. Christian Life Co -Chairs are Angela Myers and Millie Miller. THANK YOU to all 2009 Officers and Committee Chairs for your devoted service to LWML. We look forward to another wonderful year! ♦ Our next executive board meeting will be Monday, January 4th beginning at 6pm in the home of Bev Russman. All 2009 AND 2010 board members are encouraged to attend.

Joy Circle JOY CIRCLE will meet Thursday, January 7, at 1pm in the Fellowship Classroom. We will have a Bible study and Hazel Maiorka will have devotions. Hostesses are Shirley Farrier and Marcie Walter. All ladies are invited to join us!

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TAG continued Tuesday Afternoon Group - January 2010from page All older adults are welcome to attend the various activities and Bible studies of this Older Adult Ministry Group. Our Bible study and meal are on the 1st Tuesday of the month. Some months there will be an additional activity. Come and enjoy the fellowship. Tuesday, January 5th at Noon - This month the meal will be a potluck with everyone bringing a favorite dish. The Bible study will follow at 1:00pm led by Pastor Caspersen. Tuesday, January 19th at 1:00pm - For a fun and relaxing afternoon let’s play Yahtzee. It’s easy and everyone can play. Bring cookies or snacks to share. The 9th Annual Wyoming District Tell the Good News About Jesus Convocation entitle “Evangelism: Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow” will be held January 29-30 at the Best WesternRamkota Hotel in Casper, WY. This two-day convocation includes sessions on Early Church Evangelism; Evangelism, Missions, and Mercy; Law and Gospel - Essential to True Evangelism; and What Does Lutheran Evangelism Look Like Today?, led by Rev. Lincoln Winter, Rev. Dr. Carl Fickensher, Rev. Prof. John Pless, and Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller. Cost is $15/adult and students are free, plus additional cost for an optional banquet and buffet. If you reserve rooms by January 7, they only cost $68. If a group of people are interested in attending, we could carpool. Please see the bulletin board in the Narthex for registration sheets or contact Reena for more information. College and Young Adult Group Mark your calendars - Friday, January 22 we will enjoy an evening of ice skating with the Boulder group. More details to come! Altar Guild Saturday, January 9th at 10:00am - Please plan to attend if you are interested in helping or if you are a returning member. Contact Marilyn Lasich if you have any questions. 8

Jesus Wept. John 11:35 The shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept.”, shows us that grief is a part of living on earth. We have all suffered a loss in our lives. From the loss of a small earthly item to the largest loss of a loved one, loss is inevitable. However, as we go through our deepest emotions, Jesus is with us. “So with you: now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy”. (John 16:22 NIV) God’s blessing is to have fellow Christians who care for each other enough to walk the path of grief together. Peace With Christ’s new congregational Grief Support Series and Grief Partners group is a new series of three (3) sessions to help members and non-members of Peace With Christ through your time of grief. We will explore how faith is an essential part of our healing. The sessions will be held monthly starting in January 2010. Each quarter we will start the series anew. Session I - Jesus Wept Help for the newly bereaved and all others who are experiencing a major loss & those who just want to learn more about what grief is, and understanding the symptoms. Session II - The Father of Compassion For those who are past the first shock of grief, and are now seeking relief as the world continues to revolve. Session III - In God’s Hands Session III addresses how we face the future as we try to rebuild our lives. The Grief Support Group is composed of PWC volunteers who are empathetic to families or individuals who have had a loss and are available to support members as they grieve. There is a volunteer training session, and we encourage members to become a part of this compassionate endeavor. Anyone with questions or wishing to participate can call Gail Neben, Grief Series Coordinator, 970-222-4715, or [email protected]. The first training will be Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 6:30pm and every third Tuesday there after at PWC. 9

YOUTH NEWS

Ice Skating: The Confirmation Age Youth will be going Ice Skating in Old Town on Saturday, January 9th. Cost is $5, plan to meet at PWC at noon and we will head to old town. Please eat before arriving. Sign-up! Youth/Parent Meeting: An important meeting for all youth and parents will be January 13 at 7pm immediately following FED classes. This should be a short informational meeting on upcoming Youth events in 2010. Please plan to attend! All Youth have an opportunity to attend an Evangelism Conference with other members of the Congregation. The Conference will be in Casper, WY, January 29/30. The Youth would leave after school, attend the conference on Saturday and return Saturday evening. Cost of conference? Free for Youth! Estimated cost for transportation, food and lodging is $55 - $75 per person. Cost depends on how many will be sharing a hotel room (2-4 people). Registration forms are available in the Narthex.

Alpha Center of Fort Collins will be joining us on three evenings during FED night beginning January 20. The first evening will be an information night for parents of our youth especially those in Confirmation through High School. On January 27 and February 3, a presentation on “Living a Sexually Pure Life” will be given to the Confirmation Age group and the High School groups respectively. A sign-up will be posted for all three evenings - Please signup!

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MARILYN’S MEMO Dear Family in Christ, As I write this article, I cannot help reflecting back on my article for last January. I remember writing about the anticipation of not knowing what the new year of 2009 would be like…..it was not all that I was looking forward to and yet in ways it was also more. We never know what the future will hold here on earth. There are sorrows such as the deaths of dear friends and family members, illnesses, losses and troubles we and those around us face each day. And there are great joys too! The birth of babies, new marriages, growing in the faith, graduations and the beauty surrounding us are some of these joys. This year, I look toward a year filled with joy and sorrow, birth and deaths, challenges and restful times. Though we don’t know what 2010 will bring to us, we have the blessed assurance of salvation given to us by Christ Jesus. His birth, life, crucifixion and death have given us a precious gift of forgiveness and eternal life – this we do know will be with us in 2010. Rejoice in this knowledge each and every new day. In peace, Marilyn ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thank you to all those who supported the Youth by purchasing Gift Cards (Scrip) during 2009! We appreciate the support. We ask for your continued support throughout 2010. Sunflower Market cards are coming soon! 11

New Sunday Bible Class Sunday, January 10 marks the start of a new Sunday Bible Study. Pastor Hein will be teaching Lutheran Doctrine. This is an ideal class for refreshing what you once learned about the Lutheran Faith. It is also intended for those who may not be members of Peace With Christ, but desire to join. Invite your friends or others who may be interested. The class will meet at 9:30 in the north alcove of the Sanctuary. Food & Clothing Drive Update--PWC continues to help St. John’s Lutheran Church by collecting needed items for their food & clothing bank. The needy in our community are most thankful to you for your donations. Again this year we will collect items listed in the Greensheet only every other month, February, April, June, August, October, and December on the first two Sundays of that month in the Sunshine hallway. Please bring your items at these times only so we can keep the Sunshine Hall uncluttered. You are welcome at any time to bring items yourself to St. John’s on East Elizabeth when someone is there. If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact Nancy Moore, 224-1312.

Name buttons are being made for those who joined PWC in the last 18 months. If you lost your badge, have a name change or feel you’ve been missed, please let Marcy know in the church office. Thank you.

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Thank You Peace With Christ is such a wonderfully loving and generous congregation! “I thank my God always in prayer in every remembrance of you.” You have again shown your love to me and my family this Christmas season with your liberal giving of gifts, kind words of care, concern and comfort, and generous gestures of Christian love. In the five years I have served as your pastor I have come to love you in a way that I have never loved a congregation. I have seen a different side of the church and this congregation. It is the side that reaches out in love to those who are hurting and struggling and facing hardship. We have come to share a bond that has been forged by challenges and difficulties. As a result we have forged an even closer connection as the family of God in Christ Jesus. I look forward to humbly and faithfully serving you, and serving God and others with you, throughout this New Year. Pastor Patrick ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

God hath not promised Skies always blue Flower - strewn pathways All our lives through

But God hath promised Strength for the day Rest for the labor Light for the way

God hath not promised Sun without rain Joy without sorrow Peace with pain

Grace for the trials Help from above Unfailing sympathy Undying Love.

- Annie Johnson Flint

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO .… Terry & Emily Fox Troy & Joy Bauder

January 11, 2003 January 30, 1988

We apologize if we missed your anniversary. Please notify the church office to update.

Financial Update As of September 2009 2009 budget: $359,000.00 Year-to-date total PWC income: $310,445.32 Year-to-date total PWC expenses: $309,588.99 Net Income: $856.33

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HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAY TO……. Pam Kropp Brooke Prevedel Jenny Pforr Adele Ahnstedt Nadine Lueker Mike Sharp Austin Hein Heather Dixon Drew Hoffner Chelsie Maiorka Kayleen Patrick John Pennington Linda Siegfried Joyce Benningsdorf Rhonda Kaiser Brian Lacey Michael Saboy Renee Hein Mike Muth Logan French Adam Musgrave Zachary Prevedel David Caspersen Tom Lasich Linda Drovdal Jon Juchartz Louise Tuchenhagen Chris Holthouser Betty Walters Eunice Nierman Daniel Cerman Gladys Hulsebus Zach Diem Sandy Fiscus Michael Cheuvront Barb Spanjer Pete White Cheyenne Dixon Erin Fischer

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